Insufficient balance

  What's the point of being so friendly to me? After seeing their uniforms and ranks, I finally understood that according to military ranks, except for this newly appointed Dūdū, I'm probably the highest. However, this Dūdū lacks substance, following the rules left by Taizong after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, members of the imperial family holding such titles are mostly nominal and lack actual power, it's a means to prevent external vassals from becoming too powerful. These guys probably saw how formidable my subordinates are, heard some rumors about me, and came to test the waters for their own careers, maybe also trying to gauge my stance.

  So, in the midst of mutual flattery with that Han Zhong Wang, where we held hands and were intimately familiar, "Director Liang is a heroic genius, accomplished at a young age" "Your Highness is having a hard time keeping up", they got to know me well, and also made them feel that although this official has a great reputation outside, he is not difficult to get along with.

  They sped up their journey and passed Dashan Pass, spending the night in Hechi County.

  After inquiring around, the local officials and others introduced the local conditions, saying that this county is a medium to lower-grade small county with an annual grain output of about 300,000 dan. There are only about 3,000 households in the city, but because it is located at the intersection of the three roads of Shunan, Guanzhong, and Shannan, it is a strategic county. I was slightly unclear about what "strategic county" meant, so the county's historian hastily explained to me: originally, according to the Tang Dynasty's administrative division system, the counties were divided into four categories and four grades. Those located within the three metropolitan areas of Chang'an, Taiyuan, and Luoyang were considered capital counties; those outside the metropolitan areas were considered prefectural counties; important and prosperous places were considered key counties; and transportation hubs and military strongholds were considered strategic counties. Additionally, according to the number of households and grain output, counties were also divided into upper, middle, lower-middle, and lower grades. Below the county level, there were also layers of townships, villages, neighborhoods, and communities. This county belonged to the southern part of Fengzhou in Shannan West Road, but because it was close to the entrance of Sichuan, the Daxi Pass, and had a garrison stationed here, it was considered an important place.

  Suddenly, so many people rushed in, and the county of Hechi was naturally busy with chickens flying and dogs jumping. However, the county magistrate exerted himself to mobilize every household in the city to provide supplies. Only then could the large troops inside and outside the city be settled down. Many people had their first real satisfying meal in many days. Along the way, they hurried through the states and counties, avoiding them as much as possible, and it was not easy to take a short rest here.

  County Magistrate Zhou Yingzhang and Military Secretary Xue Jingxian were classmates, relying on this connection, he has been following me closely, watching him sweat profusely and forcing a smile, afraid of being slow, it's hard for him. This small county magistrate is just a low-ranking official from the eighth rank down, whether it's attending or welcoming ceremonies, any officer who comes out can crush him. My subordinates are all high-ranking imperial guards, they need food and supplies everywhere, if something happens, no one will take his side. As for military ranks, currently only I am the highest. He follows behind me carefully to ask for instructions.

  So they kept boasting about my achievements all along the way, saying that I had "heard everything, forbidden invasion and violence, restrained subordinates, comforted refugees, consoled the people, and saved countless lives". They also repeatedly said that whatever instructions were given, they would do their best to carry them out. But thinking carefully, it was actually because they were afraid that I would indulge my subordinates and make some move that would disturb the people, so they first put a big high hat on me, which is also an official who loves and protects the villagers.

  But what I said about saving the people and relieving their difficulties is quite embarrassing for me, as this so-called act of kindness in binding up wounds and stopping violence was not my original intention.

  After Tongguan fell, various states, prefectures and counties were powerless to resist, and they fled at the sight of the wind. Every day, there were scattered soldiers who came down like me in the beginning, without a master or food, and could not help but become bandits, wandering around and robbing homes. At that time, we were short-handed, so we didn't let anyone go. Wherever we passed, we caught a batch, rounded up many remaining soldiers, and also punished some scoundrels who had committed crimes.

  In addition, during those days of unrest in the military, I deliberately suppressed certain forces and organized law enforcement teams to constantly look for trouble, intentionally targeting certain individuals. This also led to the exposure of many cases of looting. In times of crisis, extreme measures were taken, and severe punishment was meted out to those who committed crimes. Especially, I have a particular hatred for rape, which is an idle and useless act unrelated to survival instincts. Those caught would be put to death immediately. As a result, my military police had already hanged some people on the roadside, while others were beaten with heavy rods and left on the roadside, forbidden from receiving medical treatment, their cries echoing through the sky. Among them were both soldiers and refugees, and all who saw this were shocked and heartbroken.

  As a result, the unexpected gain from these events is that the killing and looting that emerged during the war have almost disappeared. Even those lighter crimes have also decreased because of what I said earlier - currently, the most lacking thing is labor. These guys are well-fed and have the energy to commit crimes, but they don't need to be sent to labor camps to exhaust themselves, instead, they can be sent to better places. For a time, the atmosphere around the army has become very good.

  During the conflict with the Northern Army's Five Tigers, a sudden and unexpected explosion of violence completely tore everything apart. Originally, those refugees would follow us every day, and it was very common for someone to fall behind or get lost. Since the incident with Prince Xiang, the leader of the refugees had been reporting to me on various matters, trying to curry favor. Someone reported that several women had gone missing in a row, and I dealt with it perfunctorily, sending someone to investigate. Unexpectedly, it was discovered that one of the Northern Army's Five Tigers, a scoundrel named Wei Guangliang, had led over a dozen people to sneak out of the camp at night and kidnap several women from among the refugees. When they were caught trying to kill the women to silence them, I arranged for the night patrol soldiers to ambush them. After a fierce battle, only the ringleader was captured, but I intentionally let the others escape, allowing them to flee back to their comrades and stir up trouble. The incident eventually escalated into a serious riot, with the foolish refugees gathering to confront the officials who had come to capture the kidnappers, shouting loudly and causing a huge commotion that even startled the nearby Crown Prince.

  In a chaotic world, human life is cheap, and civilians dare not contend with officials. However, knowing that the other party was the military, those people usually endured in silence. But this time it's different, with my manipulation, the leaders of the refugees held their grievances, crying and complaining directly to the old emperor, taking the initiative to strike first. The old emperor has the most women by his side, and he is the most sensitive to such incidents. After the little girl added fuel to the fire among those women, and I deceived the imperial clansmen into investigating the scene as witnesses, the outcome of the matter was already settled. The northern army's men were too late to make any plans.

  So, originally there was a suggestion from the department to only punish the ringleaders and comfort the masses, but I didn't expect that I had already made preparations, more ruthless and resolute than they expected. Taking advantage of the Northern Army's Five Tigers being blocked in their camp and not knowing what to do, I summoned the prepared cavalry to launch a surprise attack, killing many people with blood flowing all over the ground. Those who dared to resist were beheaded on the spot, with more than 70 soldiers killed. Another batch of over 100 followers was also captured, and many people were stripped of their titles and sent to labor in the central army. Not only did I tear up my face and severely punish those related to the old Northern Army, but I also took advantage of the situation to demote and dismiss several officials who failed to govern effectively. I then drew troops from various armies to fill the vacancies, completely eliminating the last bit of power that the Northern Army's inner six battalions could cling to.

  Looking back on those refugees thanking me profusely, repeatedly expressing gratitude for my heroic act of helping the weak, at that time I felt ridiculous, then sadness. They said I was fearless of authority, but didn't know that I too was part of the authority they spoke of, it's just that the authority I represented was more powerful and stood higher than those guys. Apparently, I've been made into one of the merits of pacifying the people and suppressing violence again.

  As for comforting the refugees and relieving famine, is there anything in this world that's so easy? Those refugees who have seen safety in our army's ranks may not be exempt from enduring hunger and hardship, but they are willing to join us. I just can't stand how those refugees drag their feet, and no matter how hard we try to hurry them along, they still won't leave. So, I thought of a way to benefit both parties by organizing them and finding someone to manage them. This would also make it easier to suppress any conflicts or unexpected events that may arise. But what I didn't expect was that they would automatically organize themselves into a considerable scale with the continuous influx of refugees. After one battle, we even had them clean up the battlefield, gather leftover resources, and conserve supplies. As for the idea of recruiting refugee youths as auxiliary soldiers, it's purely because I don't want to let them idle around, eating free food and drafting able-bodied men for no reason. In the end, how many people have survived because they got a meal? That's something I've never considered.

  He was so frightened for another reason. When I entered the city, I paid extra attention to my troops. I had less than three thousand men at my disposal. Although this King of Hanzhong spoke with grand righteousness and utmost respect, who can guarantee that he wouldn't have other ideas and suddenly launch a coup to eliminate me?

  I took the pretext of preventing rebellion to dispatch 3,000 infantrymen from the Sword Pavilion Army to reinforce the defense at Daxia Pass, and under the guise of needing grain, money, and replenishing armor, I occupied several key government offices and barracks. I dispersed the city garrison that had come from Hanzhong by mixing them with other troops in the name of unified defense, and conveniently took control of the three gates of the county seat.

  Under the pretext that spies had infiltrated among the refugees, they were placed outside the city and strictly prohibited from entering. Anyone found wandering around would be arrested as a spy. Even the yamen runners and city guards were dispatched to maintain order outside the city, making it difficult for the small number of palace guards inside the city to stir up any trouble.

  Another secret order was given to the cavalry troops outside the city, who took turns resting without dismounting or removing their armor, waiting for orders throughout the night. When it was time to eat, Wei Xiang also seemed to have some awareness and asked me a few questions with a humble attitude. However, the county magistrate was still suspicious, wondering if he had offended me in some way, and accompanied me with excessive caution.

  But since they've already said it to this extent, I'll let him take my token and handle things. If he has any opinions, he can just come find me directly. Just got rid of that group of annoying followers.

  That night, there was an imperial decree to distribute utensils and food, and a banquet was held to reward the military officers. I was summoned again to serve in the imperial kitchen. Everyone was overjoyed, knowing that this official was famous for his love of good food and culinary skills. Along the way, he had created dishes such as "Rich and Noble Chicken" ( Beggar's Chicken), mutton oil-fried white meat blood sausage, wine-braised pork belly, and shield-shaped braised pork shoulder, which were unforgettable to those who tasted them.

  Fortunately, I don't have to do it myself at this level, and there are more than a dozen eunuchs at my beck and call, as well as a large group of fire-headed soldiers to help out. It's really satisfying to be a super chef, but the result is that those people from Hanzhong Wang are left speechless and frequently glance at me sideways.